Derek Spencer, Freed 3 Times in 2 Weeks, Dies in Shootout After California Killing
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 23
Derek Spencer, Freed 3 Times in 2 Weeks, Dies in Shootout After California Killing
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 23
Summary
44-year-old Derek Spencer was fatally shot by Placer County deputies early Monday near Iowa Hill after authorities said he opened fire during a standoff and set two fires in the surrounding forest.
Three arrests in less than two weeks preceded the confrontation: prosecutors said Spencer posted bail after a Sept. 3 deputy-assault case, was released after a Sept. 13 burglary arrest, then posted bail again after a Sept. 15 vehicle-theft arrest.
76-year-old Cheryl Macy, a former Placer County District Attorney’s Office employee, was found shot dead in a home Spencer had fled from after allegedly firing at motorists, pointing a gun at victims and ramming a patrol vehicle.
Three SWAT operators had to be hoisted out overnight by a Washoe County Sheriff’s aviation unit after the fires threatened teams searching the steep, wooded terrain.
California prosecutors said the case exposed gaps in state bail law and the Supreme Court’s Kowalczyk ruling, arguing judges lacked enough power to keep repeat offenders like Spencer in custody.